Designer desks – what to look for when buying
- Desk vs. secretary desk
- The ideal size of the work surface
- The right desk height
- Which material is best?
- Extra features
- Summary – what to consider
1. Desk and secretary desk – the difference
A secretary desk has additional drawers built on top of the desktop for storing and sorting writing materials. With classic desks, the storage space is usually underneath the desktop.
Find out more in our guide about how to create a work corner in your guest room, bedroom or living room.
2. How deep should a desk be?
The size of the desktop depends on the work you'll do at your desk and the materials you want to keep directly on it. Allow enough space for a desk lamp, your laptop and monitor and your documents.
Keep your work materials within reach around your designer desk on shelves and trays and in small storage units.
If several people use the workspace, adjust the size accordingly. Alternatively, for the office, the Hack desk from Vitra lets you create separate work areas.
Tip: "Is a classic desk too small? No problem – rectangular dining tables also make excellent workspaces and can easily be extended with mobile pedestals." – Viktoria, interior expert.
3. How high should a desk be?
The right desk height depends on your height. The desk should be high enough that, when you're sitting, your arms rest comfortably on the desktop at a right angle and your thighs and lower legs form an angle of at least 90 degrees.
An average desk is about 72 centimetres high. To achieve the ideal sitting position, adjust the height of your desk chair and use a footrest if necessary.
Height-adjustable desks
With a height-adjustable desk, you can set the ideal height yourself using a crank or an electric motor. Alternating between sitting and standing can help keep your back and muscles fit and prevent neck or back problems.
A height-adjustable desk is also a good choice if several people in your household want to work at it. The String desk can be adjusted to any height.
Children's desks
Children's desks should be adapted to the child's height, so that their arms rest on the desktop at a right angle and their thighs and lower legs form an angle of at least 90 degrees. As children grow quickly, children's desks are often height-adjustable.
On some models, such as the desks from De Breuyn, you can adjust the angle of the work surface. A flat desktop is essential for writing, but a sloping surface makes some tasks easier for children. Reading a book, for example, is much more relaxed – and more ergonomic – on a tilted surface.
4. Desktops – which material is best?
Wooden desks
A wooden desk is the classic choice: wood looks warm and inviting, and it's durable and hard-wearing. If you also draw or do crafts at your design desk, this may leave marks on the wood. In that case, you can oil the desktop from time to time.
Laminate desks
Laminated desktops are an alternative: robust coatings withstand heavy use and come in many different colours and finishes – high gloss or matt, understated grey or white, to name just a few options.
Glass desks
A desk with a glass top creates a modern, open working atmosphere. It's a particularly good choice if you're buying a designer desk for representative purposes or only work at it occasionally. Bear in mind that glass reflects light, which can be distracting when you need to concentrate.
5. Desks with drawers, cable management and more
Desks come with a wide range of extra features to make working and staying organised easier. A desk with drawers (3) offers extra space for office accessories and documents you want to keep close at hand. Integrated light strips (1) ensure your work area is properly lit.
With built-in sockets and USB ports (4), you can charge your laptop, iPad or smartphone quickly and easily. A desk with cable management (2) is also particularly practical: openings for sockets and cables are integrated into the desktop for a tidy look.
6. Summary – what to consider when buying a desk
- The size of the work surface depends on the space available and the materials you need on your desk.
- The right desk height depends on your height. A height-adjustable desk can be used by several people, and alternating between sitting and standing is also healthier.
- Wood is the classic choice for desks, while laminate desks are more robust. Glass, on the other hand, stands out with its modern, spacious look.
- Integrated features make working at your desk easier: drawers create extra storage space, while sockets and cable channels prevent tangled cables.
Buy designer desks online at Connox – your benefits at a glance
- A carefully selected range from top design brands
- High-quality desks by well-known designers
- Simple, direct online shopping
- Personal support from our customer service team
- Fair delivery costs
- Secure payment thanks to SSL encryption
- Delivery in just a few working days
Shopping advice at Connox
Would you like to buy a designer desk online but need some help? Our customer service team is always happy to help. We'll support you with advice while you shop, make recommendations and answer your questions quickly. Then simply sit back and have your chosen item delivered straight to your door.
